Is coaching really necessary, especially after I have read a comprehensive, how-to, book like Daunting to DOable? A great question with a qualifying response that would put a smile on the face of any litigator: it depends on the person, the goals and the way each person makes things happen in their life. Some people thrive when someone from the outside holds them accountable, provides input and cheers successes; other people flourish on their own, reflectively, quietly, privately. So, is it “necessary?” It helps many people significantly. Professional athletes have a coach, maybe it could be your secret ingredient as well.
The lawyers with whom I work have difficulty fitting business development into their busy schedules. They find coaching appointments, at a minimum, carve out a time for business development planning and reviewing. Further, they enjoy the encouragement and occasional friendly push to take action, as well as having an expert provide new ideas, debrief efforts and strategize for opportunities. As the waiter said in the 1972 Alka-Seltzer commercial, “Try it, you’ll like it.” At least consider talking to a coach and explore how it might work for you.
How does coaching work? I’ll share my model and that of the other coaches at Threshold Advisors. Having coached hundreds of lawyers about business development and issues that surround career advancement, we have found that it is best to begin with a workshop, or reading D2D. This establishes an overview from which YOUR way can be created. A generic strategic overview, found in a book, further provides an ongoing resource for questions, ideas, and review as your business evolution takes place.
Next, great coaching can occur over the telephone. Meeting occasionally face to face is wonderful as it lets us know what each other really looks like (not the bio picture) and a new, perhaps more personal, dimension is added to our connection. Is this essential? No. Fun? Yes.
Given the very busy pace of lawyer’s lives, coaching calls twice per month typically creates significant momentum. That being said, the completion of homework (we set the tasks together during coaching based on what you say is doable) impacts your ultimate success. It’s the same with developing abdominal muscles—without sit-ups you don’t tighten up.
How long is each coaching meetings? With me, long enough to fit your needs and short enough that it doesn’t tremendously hinder the flow of your day—usually 30-45 minutes, sometimes slightly shorter or longer. (Note to reader, please don’t miss your coaching appointments, it hinders your momentum and it puts bumps in your coach’s schedule.)
I see coaching as a full-time relationship, so, the coaching “package” is more than telephone meetings. It also includes unlimited e-mail access to me so you can share progress, accomplishments, problems, have me read something and….I can send you pertinent tidbits, just as I encourage you to share with your clients. And, I invite my clients to call, spontaneously as needed, for brief chats if something out of the ordinary occurs and my input would be helpful. I promise that I will talk sometime that day—even late—if need be.
Finally, because coaching is a relationship, the chemistry between both parties is important. Therefore, I (and the other coaches on the Threshold Advisors team) invite you to explore your needs with us, and even several coaches, before making the decision to get started. Determine the best coach, style, approach and personality for you.
Want more information? Read Chapter 27 in D2D and/or send me a note and let’s talk.